Interview Mandy Marquardt

When you're tuning in at the Olympic Games next season then you'll problably want to cheer for Mandy Marquardt. The 18 times American track champion is an inspiration for many people with and without diabetes. She's currently part of of the Novo Norvdisk team, a cycling project that offers chances to diabetes-patients to perform in races on the highest level. The 28 years old track cyclist from Pensylvania had a very nice interview with us. Below you can read more about her Road to Tokyo 2021.

18 American national titles. That seems to be an enormous amount of titles. Is it something that you got used too or every new title still feels as exciting as your first one?

All titles are special for different reasons. My first two national titles came in 2003, a month before I turned 12. My parents drove from our home in south Florida to Texas for me to compete in the U.S. Junior Women’s 10-12 Road National Championships. It was incredible to win two gold medals, in the criterium and time trial, and also earn a silver, in the road race.

I also won several collegiate titles, which were special being part of a team for The Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Lehigh Valley campus. It was during this time I started to focus on track sprint cycling. My Elite titles are special because I'm racing in my Team Novo Nordisk kit! I enjoy all National Championship events because they have allowed me to not just compete, but travel to new places, make new friends and new memories.

How did you discover track cycling? When did you start taking part in races?

I began racing my bicycle in 2003 at the age of 10, when I lived in Plantation, Florida, which is near Fort Lauderdale. The Brian Piccolo Velodrome was a short drive from our home, so that was a safe place to learn to ride.

You were diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 16. What do you have to do differently in comparing to 'regular' athletes to reach the same high level?

I work just as hard as athletes who have a working pancreas. I face challenges they might not need to think about, such as, how this food/meal is going to affect my blood sugar, and how traveling to a different time zone will impact my insulin regime. These are many of the few variables that have an effect on my training, racing, energy, recovery and performance. I wear a continuous glucose monitor, which tells me my blood sugar 24/7, similar to a powermeter – haha!

I’ve been living with diabetes for almost 13 years and I’m still always learning and improving my diabetes management. I work closely with team endocrinologist, Charlotte Hayes and my coach, Andrew Harris, analyzing my training and diabetes data. Everyone is different and there’s not a one size fits all approach.

You won bronze at the 2016 Pan-American Championships. How did it feel to represent your country and win a bronze medal?

The Pan-Am Championships have incredible athletes, so it’s always great to represent the U.S  and accumulate UCI points for World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Qualifying points. I've competed at the Pan American Championships since 2016 and have a total of 6 Pan American Championships medals (1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze). Winning these medals and getting the opportunity to represent my country at the world stage is always very special.

You're 28 years old now. For many athletes it's the peak of their career. What are your ambitions short & long term?

Well, age is just a number. I feel like I am in great mental and physical condition and I love riding my bike. Even though racing has been shut down this spring and summer due to the Covid-19 this year, I continue to train in the gym and on the bike. It was great to get back on the track this month (June) at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania.

One of my ambitions is to represent the U.S. at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I was honored that USA Cycling named me as a member of the Long Team for Women’s Track. The final selection will be made next year, since the Tokyo Games have been rescheduled for July 23-August 8, 2021. I’d count that as a long-term goal for now.

How do you combine road training with sessions on the track? What is your preferred training method?

I enjoy quiet country roads here in Pennsylvania for road training, but nothing can replace time at the velodrome. I spend time 25-30 hours a week training, which also includes time in the gym building strength, explosive power and focusing on mobility for injury prevention.If your readers have not tried track cycling yet, I encourage them to find a velodrome close to home or make it part of their next vacation. Velodromes usually have bikes to rent and instructors who would be glad to introduce them to the sport.

There are any young American talents in many disciplines like Chloe Dygert-Owen, Quinn Simmons, Madigan Munro,... Is it a coincidence that so many American talents are coming at the same time, or there maybe is an explanation?

USA Cycling is focused on developing young talent. They offer many resources across the country in every discipline - track, road, BMX, mountain bike. I am a member of the USA Cycling National Team and have gotten to know many of these young athletes, such as Megan Jastrab and my Team Novo Nordisk teammate, McKenna McKee. These young ladies are genuine people and I believe they can all inspire more young people to become passionate about cycling.

What are your passions apart from cycling?

Well, I love cycling. I am proud to be in my 10th year as a member of Team Novo Nordisk, a global all-diabetes professional cycling team. We inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes. Being an elite athlete is a full-time job, and managing diabetes is 24/7. I strive to be a role model for young girls to pursue dreams, as well as a role model for people with diabetes to empower them to live life to the fullest.

I also love being home for a while this year, which is different. It allows me to be more involved with my alma mater as a member of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Board of Directors. And it allows me more time gardening, and relaxing at home with my fiancé, two dogs and two cats.

Thanks you for the interview, Mandy!

You can follow Mandy on the these platforms

Instagram: @mandymarquardt

Twitter: @MandyMarquardt

Facebook: @MandyMarquardtCycling

Personal Web site: mandymarquardt.com

Team Web site: www.teamnovonordisk.com/teammembers/mandy-marquardt-2/